Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive chemical used in industry and found in the stomach. It was first described by an Arab alchemist and is still used today for the recovery of precious metals. It is produced by dissolving hydrochloric acid in water and is used to produce organic compounds, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaning solutions. It is also important to the petroleum production industry. Extreme caution must be taken when handling it.
Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is a colorless and very pungent solution of hydrochloric acid and water. Once commonly called muriatic acid or spirit of salt, this acid is a highly corrosive chemical compound with diverse applications in industry. It is also found in dilute amounts in the stomach of humans and animals in the form of stomach acid.
This substance was first described by the 8th century Arab alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan. In the 8th century, alchemists employed Jabir’s theory to locate the “philosopher’s stone” based on his conclusion that his discovery could transform ordinary metals into gold. Jabir’s method of combining hydrochloric acid with nitric acid, which he called aqua regia, could effectively dissolve and separate gold and silver from metal alloys and ores. In fact, HCL is still used today for the recovery of precious metals.
In the industrial sector, hydrochloric acid is produced by dissolving hydrochloric acid in water. This process first started during the industrial revolution in Europe, where there was a great need to produce soda ash on a large scale at low cost. Using a combination of limestone, sulfuric acid and charcoal, the salt was converted into soda ash, leaving hydrochloric acid as a by-product. At first, this by-product was released into the air, but under pressure from the British Alkali Act of 1863, manufacturers were forced to dissolve hydrochloric acid in water, which produced the acid.
Today this acid is used in large quantities to produce organic compounds, such as vinyl chloride to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate to make polyurethane. It is also used to produce bisphenol A, activated carbon and ascorbic acid. Other uses include manufacturing leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and various household cleaning solutions.
Important to the petroleum production industry, HCL is used in a process known as oil well acidification. This process involves injecting the acid into oil well cavities to dissolve sections of rock, leaving behind an open column. Ultimately, the method serves to speed up oil production from the well.
Use extreme caution when handling hydrochloric acid. At high concentrations it releases an acid mist into the air and both the aqueous solution and the vapor are corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. It also forms chlorine, a toxic gas, when combined with bleach or potassium permanganate. To avoid injury or irritation when working with this acid, wear flame retardant clothing, as well as PVC gloves and eye protection.
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